HEAVY METAL ACCUMULATION IN THE SHEEP BLOOD GROWING AROUND SIZMA REGION

Mining activities have been the main requirements of the civilizations since first centuries. There are several deformations of the natural environment created in the areas in which mining activities mostly have been done. The negative effects of the mining activities are getting decrease nowadays. However, old mines still spread dangerous compounds to the environment close to the mining area. Especially heavy metals are one of the most dangerous factor causing environmental pollution. Heavy metals create flora and fauna pollution with the effects of air, water and soil. Within these metals mercury is the most dangerous one because of its highly toxic content and accumulation feature in the living forms. Some limitations have been applied to the production of this metal for preventing negative effects on the natural environment. Mercury mines also include some other metals like antimony and zinc. The working area of this study was chosen considering this information. Sızma region was selected as working area which is located in the north part of Konya. There is old mercury mine closed in 1993 after 25 year of production period. Investigation of mercury and related metals in the sheep blood and evaluation of environment which is close to the mine area are the main purposes of this study.